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6 Causes Behind Recurring Stomach Pain

Stomach pain is a common and pesky annoyance and it has happened to all of us. Usually, stomach cramps and discomfort indicate digestive disorders. But then there is the sharp and piercing pain that rises and repeatedly ebbs, which can alarm you. If you have been witnessing this kind of pain over a long period of time, then it is time you visit the doctor, especially if your stomach pain is accompanied by nausea, vomiting and disorientation.

Here are a few likely causes behind stomach pain that comes and goes:

1. Appendicitis –

Sometimes the appendix, an abdominal organ, swells up and this could lead to stabbing pains that intensify and ebb. The pain usually originates in the lower right side of the abdomen. There might be other symptoms like bloating and vomiting. The symptoms begin to show up almost right after the appendix swells up. Seek help from a doctor because a swollen appendix may burst and cause severe health issues.

2. Ovarian Cysts –

It is a common cause of shooting stomach pain in women because an overwhelming majority of women have ovarian cysts. Usually, they are harmless. But sometimes they enlarge and this is when they trigger pain.

In such cases, the epicentre of the pain is in the lower abdomen where the ovaries are. You may also notice bloating and a sensation of pressure in your tummy. You can use hot compresses as a temporary measure to deal with the pain.

3. Gallstones –

Sometimes bilirubin or cholesterol accumulates to form stone shaped objects inside your gallbladder. They may even obstruct the duct of your gallbladder and this prompts intense shooting pain. Other indicators of gallstones are a yellowish tinge in the eyes, nausea, vomiting, sweating and fever. To ease the discomfort, you can sip peppermint or turmeric tea.

4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome –

You will know that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome if, after every meal, you experience pain in your stomach. Or the pain might appear during specific times of the day. Other symptoms of this disorder are pain accompanying defecation, presence of mucus in faeces, diarrhoea and flatulence.

5. Urinary Tract Infection –

UTIs are a very tortuous disease. Usually, it is the bladder that gets infected, but actually, any section of the tract can bear the brunt of the infection. Not only does it trigger pain in the abdomen, but you might also feel a burning sensation when you urinate.

In my experience the major causes of abdominal pain in children are behavioural, lymph nodes in intestines and worms. All should be evaluated and treated by a pediatrician.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Also Read: 10 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infection

6. Peptic Ulcer –

This ulcer develops on the lining of your stomach. Prolonged usage of specific medicines can cause it to grow. They do not go away on their own and prompt a constant burning sensation in your abdomen.

Some other sources of Stomach Pain can be:

Gastroenteritis
Food allergies
Pain arising from ovulation

Children, especially in the early ages, frequently suffer from stomach aches.If their stomach ache is accompanied by weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, you should always consult a pediatrician to diagnose the cause and provide the treatment for the same.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Signs You Need to Go See a Doctor for Your Abdominal Pain Right Now!

If you face any of these signs while dealing with abdominal pain then don’t wait any longer. Consult a doctor immediately!

Constant pain lasting for long periods of time
Scrotum pain for males
Vaginal bleeding for pregnant women
Pain, nausea followed by difficulty in breathing
Blood in vomit
If you spot blood in your urine or bowel
Pain that spreads from your abdomen to other parts of your body like the chest, shoulder, neck etc.
If you are developing a fever during your abdominal pain
If you are facing issues with passing urine or bowel

Also Read: Why Is My Upper Stomach Bigger Than My Lower? Understanding Body Composition

How to Reduce Abdominal Pain at Home:

Unless you are facing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, your abdominal pain will most likely go away without the need for any special medical treatment. However, here are a few ways you can deal with abdominal pain yourself at home to reduce the pain:

Use hot water bags to alleviate the pain. Place it on your abdomen and let it work its magic.
Stay hydrated! Make water and other healthy clear fluids your best friend.
Try to minimise your consumption of coffee, alcohol and tea as they can contribute to increasing the pain.
Don’t stress yourself out. Rest as much as you can.
Ask your doctor to prescribe you a mild painkiller.
Over-the-counter antacids help in reducing abdominal pain.

Since ignoring abdominal pain that comes and goes can lead to medical complications in the future, you really should consult a doctor to find out if any one of the above-mentioned disorders is at the root of your tummy ache. Some of them need immediate medical treatment. Don’t wait till the symptoms become even more prominent because the longer you wait, the longer it will take for you to heal completely.

Also Read: Stabbing Pain Left Side Under Ribs: Possible Causes and Solutions

Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.

Common Menstrual Disorders You Need To Know About!

It’s time that we talk about menstruation and discuss it as a function of a healthy female body! Many women are still unsure about what is normal and what is unusual when it comes to their menstrual cycle. While they endure it, they do not realize when it is time to visit a doctor.Below are some common menstrual disorders that every woman should know about.

Amenorrhea:

The absence of one or more menstrual periods is known as Amenorrhea. Women with at least three missed menstrual periods consecutively or girls who haven’t started menstruation by age 15 are said to have Amenorrhea. The main symptom of Amenorrhea is a lack of menstruation. Other symptoms include milky nipple discharge, hair loss, headache, vision changes and additional facial hair.Can this be treated? Yes! Treatment options vary based on the cause of Amenorrhea. Some women may need to make lifestyle changes, such as a change in diet, regular exercise or yoga and reducing stress. Certain hormonal medicines and birth control pills can help balance hormones, trigger periods or ovulation, such as for PCOS.

Dysmenorrhea:

Having painful periods or menstrual cramps are called Dysmenorrhea. These cramps are triggered by uterine contractions which are caused due to hormone-like substances called Prostaglandins. Primary dysmenorrhea refers to common menstrual cramps, while secondary dysmenorrhea is mild to severe pain that results from a disorder in the reproductive organs such as endometriosis, fibroids or adenomyosis. Both types are treatable.How do you know if you have dysmenorrhea? The most common symptoms are:

Cramping or pain in the lower abdomen
Low back pain or pain radiating down the legs
Nausea, Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Fatigue
Fainting
Headaches

Place a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower back or abdomen for pain relief. Rest when needed. Avoid caffeine, smoking and alcohol. Avoid popping pain medications without doctor’s advice as these medicines may have side effects in some cases. If you find that none of these self-care measures are providing relief, it is recommended to seek medical advice from your doctor. They will be able to provide proper guidance and may consider prescribing appropriate medication to help alleviate your pain and other symptoms effectively.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS):

PMS is a group of symptoms that affects a woman’s physical and emotional health and behaviour between ovulation and a period, generally starting 5-11 days before menstruation and typically ending once menstruation begins. What does PMS feel like? PMS has a wide variety of symptoms, including mood swings, depression and irritability, fluid retention, acne, bloating, diminished libido, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, headaches and vertigo. It’s estimated that almost 3 of every 4 menstruating women have experienced some form of PMS. Treatment:

Antidepressants such as SSRIs successfully reduce mood symptoms.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Diuretics.
Hormonal contraceptives.

Also Read: How To Increase Female Libido Rapidly

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD):

PMDD is an endocrine disorder in which a woman has symptoms such as severe depression, irritability and tension before menstruation. PMDD symptoms are usually more severe than those that occur during PMS. In addition to physical symptoms, women with PMDD also experience a variety of mental health symptoms such as depression and suicidal thoughts.Symptoms include:

Lasting irritability/ anger that may affect other people
Feelings of tension or anxiety, sadness or despair, or even thoughts of suicide
Panic attacks
Mood swings
Lack of interest in routine activities and relationships
Trouble focusing
Tiredness
Food cravings/binge eating
Insomnia
Feeling out of control
Abdominal cramps, bloating, headaches, breast tenderness and joint/muscle pain

Can PMDD be treated? Yes! Treatments for PMDD include-

Antidepressants such as SSRIs can be prescribed to women suffering from PMDD.
OTC pain relievers may alleviate symptoms such as breast tenderness, muscle aches and pains, cramps and headaches.
Birth control pills.
In case drug-based treatments are ineffective, surgery may be considered.
Making healthy changes, such as eating a healthy combination of foods across the food groups, cutting back on salty and sugary foods and getting more physical activity, may also help relieve some symptoms.

If you have irregular periods, painful cramps, excessive facial hair growth or mood swings, don’t ignore it. It may help to visit a doctor and discuss your symptoms with them. Also Read: Quick Tips: How to Get Your Period Faster and SafelyDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

Helicobacter Pylori- The Silent Epidemic

What is H. Pylori?

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a gram-negative bacterium usually found in the stomach, which has infected almost 80% of the Indian population. The vast majority of people infected with H. pylori have no symptoms and will never develop any problem. However, H. pylori are capable of causing several digestive ailments which include ulcers and less commonly, stomach cancer. It is not clear why some people with H. pylori get these ailments and others don’t.

How can you get infected?

pylori infection is mainly acquired in childhood. The mode of transmission of H. pylori remains poorly understood. The bacteria are most commonly spread by consuming food or water contaminated with faecal matter. H. pylori can cause changes to the stomach and duodenum (the first part of the small intestine). In developing countries, a combination of untreated water, crowded conditions and poor hygiene contribute to a higher H. pylori infection rate.

What are the diseases caused by H. Pylori infection?

Not all H. pylori infections lead to the development of ulcers and stomach cancer.However, most people infected do develop gastritis. Unless eradicated, H. pylori will remain in the stomach and will continue to cause chronic inflammation and weakening the protective force of the mucous membrane of the stomach. This will result in creating a condition whereby it is vulnerable to attack by stress, salty meals and carcinogenic substances.

1. Indigestion (Dyspepsia) –

Most people with indigestion or dyspepsia feel pain and discomfort in the stomach or chest. The sensation generally occurs soon after consuming some food or a drink. It may make a person feel full or uncomfortable during a meal, even if they have not eaten a large amount of food.

2. Gastritis –

Gastritis is an inflammation and irritation of the lining of the stomach. It can occur suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).

3. Ulceration –

Stomach ulcers, which are also known as gastric ulcers, are painful sores in the stomach lining. Stomach ulcers occur when the thick layer of mucus that protects your stomach from digestive juices, is reduced. This allows the digestive acids to eat away at the tissues that line the stomach, causing an ulcer.Stomach cancer –The causes of stomach cancer are thought to be smoking, poor eating habits and genetics. However, the latest research indicates that H. pylori eradication therapy decreases the risk of developing stomach cancer.

What are the symptoms of H. Pylori infection?

Most individuals with chronic gastritis have no symptoms. However, some people develop more serious problems, including stomach or duodenal ulcers. Ulcers can cause a variety of symptoms or no symptoms at all, with the most common symptoms including:

Pain or discomfort (usually in the upper abdomen)
Bloating
Feeling full after eating a small amount of food
Lack of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Dark or tar-coloured stools
Ulcers that bleed can cause a low blood count and fatigue

Certain medications can also cause peptic ulcers.

Who should be tested for H. Pylori infection?

If you have symptoms – Diagnostic testing for H. pylori infection is recommended if you have active gastric or duodenal ulcers or if you have a history of ulcers.There are several ways to diagnose H. pylori. The most commonly used tests include the following:

Breath tests – Breath tests (known as urea breath tests) require that you drink a specialized solution containing a substance that is broken down by the H. pylori bacterium. The broken-down products can be detected in your breath.
Stool tests – Tests are available that detect H. pylori proteins in the stool.
Blood tests – Blood tests can detect specific antibodies (proteins) that the body’s immune system develops, in response to the H. pylori bacterium.

Also Read: Sepsis: A Guide to Understanding Its Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

How is H. Pylori infection treated?

The treatment of H. pylori includes several steps. A two-week therapy of multiple antibiotics along with an antacid (mostly the proton pump inhibitors class of drug) is generally prescribed. After completing the H. pylori treatment, repeat testing is usually performed to ensure that the infection has been treated properly. However, there are increasing numbers of patients with H. pylori infection, who are showing resistance to the antibiotics. Hence, it is important to take the entire course of all medications as prescribed by your health care professional. The drawback though is that up to 50 percent of patients report side effects while taking this H. pylori treatment. These side effects include metallic taste, headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps etc. Furthermore, patients don’t comply with the treatment as multiple dosing of several tablets per day is required, for at least two weeks.Also Read: Why Is My Upper Stomach Bigger Than My Lower? Understanding Body Composition

Newer therapies for H. Pylori eradication –

There are numerous types of probiotics such as Lactobacillus species which are used for the eradication of H pylori and to prevent gastrointestinal infections. Research has shown that a unique strain of Lactobacillus reuteri (DSM17648) exerts its action by attaching to/co-aggregating with the H. pylori bacteria and flushing them out of the body. This strain of L reuteri i.e. DSM17648 is also capable of reducing the H. pylori bacterial load and side effects associated with antibiotic therapy.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.